Practice Test Geeks(PET) Preliminary English Test Practice Test
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Reading Comprehension Strategies Flashcards

7 cards from real PET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Reading Comprehension Strategies flashcards as text

  1. A text uses the phrase 'on the other hand.' What does this signal?

    Answer: A contrasting or opposing viewpoint is about to be given

    'On the other hand' is a contrast linker that introduces an opposing or alternative perspective.

  2. In a PET reading passage about health, the text says: 'Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.' A question asks: 'How often should people exercise according to doctors?' What is the correct answer?

    Answer: Five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time

    The text specifies 30 minutes of exercise on five days per week, so the answer must reflect both elements.

  3. A brochure says: 'Children under 5 enter free. Children aged 5–15 pay half price. Adults pay full price.' A family has two adults, one child aged 3, and one child aged 8. How many people pay full price?

    Answer: Two

    Only the two adults pay full price; the 3-year-old is free and the 8-year-old pays half price.

  4. When writing a summary of a reading passage, what should you do?

    Answer: Restate the main ideas in your own words, leaving out minor details

    A summary captures the key points concisely in your own words, omitting unnecessary details.

  5. A formal letter begins: 'Dear Sir or Madam.' What does this suggest about the writer's relationship with the recipient?

    Answer: The writer does not know the recipient's name or identity

    'Dear Sir or Madam' is used in formal writing when the sender does not know the specific person they are addressing.

  6. A sentence reads: 'Despite studying all night, Marco failed the exam.' What does 'despite' tell you?

    Answer: Marco's failure was unexpected given how much he studied

    'Despite' introduces a contrast, showing that Marco's failure was surprising given his intensive preparation.

  7. You are reading a PET passage and you notice the word 'however' at the start of a paragraph. What do you expect this paragraph to do?

    Answer: Introduce a contrasting or limiting point to what was said before

    'However' is a discourse marker that signals the writer is about to present a contrasting or qualifying idea.

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  1. cambridgeenglish.org — Eligibility, fees, registration, passing score, score validity, test dates, test delivery, exam format · verified Oct 2026